Official Author

坂崎 なお（Nao Sakazaki）

About Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture This video is a sightseeing video titled "Kuwana City Sightseeing Video Japanese ver." (桑名市観光動画　日本語ver), that introduces the charm of Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture in Japan's Tokai region. It was produced by the Kuwana City Public Relations Department. Kuwana City is an attractive area dotted with a ton of hole-in-the-wall locations. Check out our recommendations for sightseeing, including historical landmarks and leisure facilities. This video introduces the culture, traditions, and cuisine of Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture from the perspective of a solo traveler. The introduction to the local cuisine of Kuwana City looks especially delicious, and there are many excellent dishes you'll want to try at least once. Things to Do Near Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture Photo：Shichiri no Watashi In Kuwana City, there are many beautiful sightseeing locations, such as Tado Taisha Shrine (多度大社, Tado Taisha), Kasuga Shrine (春日神社, Kasuga Jinja), the statue of Honda Tadakatsu who was a vassal of Tokugawa Ieyasu and his tomb, Rokkaen, as well as the former Moroto Seiroku Residence, and Moroto Garden. The Shichiri no Watashi (Miya-no-Watashi Park) is the former site of Shichiri Marine in Kuwanajuku from Miyajuku (now Nagoya). Tado Taisha Shrine is introduced at 0:37 in the video. This Tado Taisha Shrine is a legendary place where God is said to have descended on a white horse. You can even see a pure white horse in the video. Leisure Facilities and Sightseeing Events in Kuwana City Photo：Illuminations of Nabana no Sato Kuwana City has many entertainment facilities where you can enjoy a special time. Among them, Nagashima Spa Land is popular as one of the largest amusement facilities in Japan. Nagashima Spa Land is introduced at 2:55 in the video, and the roller coasters are a ton of fun! Nearby, Nabana no Sato is an attractive place where you can enjoy beautiful flowers and illuminations. You can also enjoy shopping at Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima. Kuwana City also hosts the Kuwana Suigo Fireworks Festival at the end of July every year, which gets packed with tourists. We also recommend the morning market "Sanpachi," held on Teramachi Dori Shopping Street. Delicious Food in Kuwana City Photo：Yasunaga-mochi Kuwana City is also famous for its tasty gourmet cuisine. Above all, the Yasunaga-mochi, sold at the long-established store Nagamo-ya, which has its headquarters located in the city, is a historical confectionary that was loved by travelers visiting Ise long ago. This is shown at 0:59 in the video. You can also eat delicious clams in Kuwana city thanks to it being located near the sea. For souvenirs, we recommend buying boiled clams called "hamaguri no shigure-ni." Kuwana City is also famous for shabu-shabu and sukiyaki shops, as well as spots where you can enjoy strawberry picking. Taste the exquisite local cuisine in Kuwana City. Summary of Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture The culture, natural landscape, history, and gourmet food of Kuwana City introduced in this article are shown in even more detail in the video. In addition, there are still many attractive sightseeing spots in Kuwana City that we can't cover here. Enjoy the charms of Kuwana City through the lovely introductory video! Which sightseeing spots in Kuwana City are you interested in? 【Tripadvisor】Kuwana City https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g651657-Kuwana_Mie_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu-Vacations.html

A Look at the Japanese Badger This video, titled "[Japan's Wildlife] the Ecology of Badgers｜A Cute Animal That Looks Like a Bear but Isn't (Japanese Badger)" (【日本の動物】アナグマの生態〜クマのようで熊ではない可愛い動物〜(Japanese badger)), introduces the Japanese badger. Japanese badgers look like bears, but as you'll see in the video, they are actually quite different. Let's take a look at Japan's native badger species! About the Japanese Badger Photo：Japanese badgers Japanese badgers belong to the family Mustelidae and order Carnivora. The scientific name of the Japanese badger is "Meles anakuma." The Japanese badger is 40 to 60 centimeters in length and weighs about 12 kilograms. They're light brown in color, similar to that of bears. A characteristic of the Japanese badger is their sharp claws. Japanese badgers are nocturnal and omnivorous animals and live in units called "clans." When the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, they enter hibernation. They inhabit forests in Honshu (本州), Shikoku (四国), and Kyushu (九州). The average lifespan for a wild Japanese badger is 10 years. In the video you can see two cute Japanese badgers playing, running around, and taking naps. Japanese Badgers - Viewed as Pests Photo：A badger walking on snow Japanese badgers have warm personalities and do not scare easily. Unfortunately, because they often feed on the crops of farmers, they are seen as pests. Some restaurants in Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Kyoto actually serve badger meat as game dishes. The Diverse Wildlife Found in Japan Photo：Japanese weasel There are other animals similar to the Japanese badger, such as the raccoon dog (tanuki), masked palm civet, raccoon, and the Japanese weasel. There's a Japanese proverb that goes "Onaji ana no Mujina" (同じ穴の狢), which, translated to English, goes "Badgers of the same hole." It basically expresses that while seemingly unrelated, these animals are of the same type. It's similar to "birds of a feather" or "villains of the same stripe." Breeding Japanese Badgers? Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese badgers are quite friendly. Even when people come close to it, it sometimes moves closer to them, albeit with their tail between their legs like a cat. However, if they are provoked, they may threaten other animals with fierce warning calls. They are not prohibited from being kept as pets, but it's a bit difficult to actually keep them, as you won't be able to bring them to an ordinary vet if something happens. Summary of Japanese Badgers In this article we gave a quick overview of the Japanese badger. Recently, Japanese badgers have been featured on news broadcasts as they've been seen coming down to towns for food, due to increasing deforestation. We'll have to do our part to preserve the forests so that humans and animals can coexist.

Ise Ninja Kingdom, Tomoiki no Kuni Ise Ninja Kingdom, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, video introduction This is a video titled "From the sky above Ise Azuchi-Momoyama Castle Street," created by Ise Azuchi Momoyama Shopping Street. It introduces an aerial view of the facilities of Ninja Kingdom Ise (former name: Ise Azuchi Momoyama Castle Street). Ninja Kingdom Ise (Ninja Kingdom Ise) is a theme park where you can learn about Japanese history while having a great time. Let’s check out the recommended sightseeing information of Ninja Kingdom Ise, with this video. The video introduces the realistic theme park that shows the scenery of the Sengoku period from every angle. Which attractions are you interested in? The Sights of Ninja Kingdom Ise Source :YouTube screenshot Ninja Kingdom Ise is located in Ise City (伊勢市, Ise-Shi), Mie Prefecture (三重県, Mie-Ken), in Japan's Tōkai Region. It’s a popular theme park with the theme of Japanese history and culture. In this park, there are recreations of sites such as the colorful, historical Azuchi Castle central tower, once built by Oda Nobunaga, and the cityscape of the Azuchi Momoyama Period. If you rent a Kimono or Ninja costume for walking around inside Ninja Kingdom Ise, you'll feel like you've gone back in time as you enjoy historical sightseeing. Activities at Ninja Kingdom Ise Source :YouTube screenshot At the Sengoku Skill Competition Hall of Ninja Kingdom Ise, introduced in the first part of the video, you can try historic activities such as shooting a bow and arrow, blowgun shooting, and Shuriken throwing. The Betting Zone, where you can play Japanese games such as Cho-han Bakuchi, and Chinchirorin (Cee-lo), is another great place to spend your time. Also in the park, you can see a performance of traditional Japanese “Nankin Tama Sudare” where performers make fancy shapes using a bamboo screen, and you can also meet the mascot character Nyanmage! You can see the performance at 1:44 in the video. Also be sure to visit theaters, such as the Daininja Theatre, where History dramas are played, the Yamada Magistrate Office, and the Martial Arts House, where you can experience the history of Kobudō in Japan. We also recommend touring the Arita porcelain workshop, where you can experience historic pottery. The Arita porcelain workshop is introduced at 8:50 in the video. Enjoy Gourmet Cuisine and Shopping at Ninja Kingdom Ise! If you use the “Walk-and Eat Ticket” in the park, you can enjoy the gourmet eat-around in a gastronomic town, including seafood dishes from Ise Toba (鳥羽, Toba). The Charcoal-grilled Seafood Grill Gassen Grand Dining Room (炭火海鮮焼き 合戦大食事処) is an especially popular place to eat fresh seafood. At nearby shops, you can buy souvenirs such as leather products from the popular brand “AMATERAS.” We also recommend checking out the Ise Natural hot spring "Azuchi Castle Hot Spring." The hot springs are shown at 4:31 in the video. There's no better way to end your day than soaking in a relaxing hot spring after enjoying an amazing time at Ninja Kingdom Ise. Summary of Ninja Kingdom Ise Source :YouTube screenshot In Ninja Kingdom Ise, sometimes exhibits of popular Japanese movies or mystery solving events are held for a limited time. Definitely check them out if you get the chance. As shown in the video, this is a theme park that can be enjoyed all day long thanks to the historic cityscape, culture, gourmet food, shopping, hot springs, and more. Take a tour of Ninja Kingdom Ise, and enjoy the deep history of Japan! The colorfully decorated Azuchi Castle, introduced at 6:13 in the video, is a must-see! ◆Ninja Kingdom Ise◆ 【Address】1201-1 Futami-Chō Mitsu, Ise City, Mie Prefecture 519-0603 【Access】9 Minutes from Ise EXPWY, Ise I.C. 【Admission Fee】Day Passport for Adults: 4,900 JPY (As of November, 2019) 【Hours】9:00～17:00 【Parking 】Available 【Tel】+81 596-43-2300 【Official Website】Ninja Kingdom Ise http://www.ise-jokamachi.jp/en/

Video introduction of the shoemaker at MARQUESS, a shoe workshop in Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo "Meet the Japanese shoemaker who doesn't want his shoes to stand out | Remarkable Living" is a video that introduces shoe making craftsmanship by a shoemaker in Tokyo. Shoji Kawaguchi, a bespoke shoemaker from the shoe studio "MARQUESS" in Ginza, Tokyo, makes luxury shoes like those seen in the video. Shoji Kawaguchi studied abroad at a shoe vocational school in Northampton, England, and studied the skills of handmade British shoes under Paul Wilson. He was fascinated by the classic British shoes he had seen during his time there and later became an independent shoe making professional. Hand Made Shoes Source :YouTube screenshot From 1:30 on the video, the process of making handmade shoes by shoemaker Shoji Kawaguchi is introduced. The shoemaker first designs a shoe pattern and makes a paper pattern. He then make a wooden pattern according to the shape of the shoe. Next, he cuts the leather and other materials, sews them, and attaches the soles. All the work of MARQUESS shoe specialists is done by hand. As you can see in the video, Shoji Kawaguchi's shoe store has numerous shoe fitters. This is proof that the shoes were made according to the shape of each client's foot. The craftsmanship cultivated through many long years of training and work is indispensable in creating a classic shoe that fits snugly. The Commitment of MARQUESS' Shoemaker, Shoji Kawaguchi Source :YouTube screenshot All of MARQUESS' shoes are bespoke shoes. Tailor-made shoes are made according to the customer's preferences, after careful consideration of the type of leather and design requirements. MARQUESS checks not only the size of the feet but also the fashion of customers' suits and clothes, and proposes the best shoes to suit each individual. The reason why Shoji Kawaguchi makes classic shoes is introduced at 0:15 in the video. He says he wants to do a variety of shoe designs, but he wants to do this after mastering classic shoes because classic shoes are the basis for everything. When he first saw the shoes, all handmade in Northampton, England, he was inspired and felt compelled to pursue the craft. In addition, Shoji Kawaguchi feels that the most beautiful shoes are bespoke shoes from the 1930s to the 1940s, and says that he is studies daily to make shoes closer to the originals. In addition, Shoji Kawaguchi's commitment to shoes is discussed throughout this 6-minute video. Summary of Bespoke Shoemakers Source :YouTube screenshot In these videos, you can see the meticulous and high quality craftsmanship that only expert shoe makers posses! In the video, you'll see a world you never knew existed. Bespoke shoes are a little more expensive than regular shoes because all processes are done by hand. The appeal of these shoes is that you can get a pair that you can cherish and that will last you a long time. I bet you'll want your own pair of bespoke shoes after watching the video. 【Official Website】Marquess https://marquess-bespoke.blogspot.com/

Okushiri Island, Hokkaido The video “Okushiri Promotional Video (3 minutes)” is a sightseeing video introducing Okushiri Island, one of the remote islands of Hokkaido. This video was produced by "Okushiri Sightseeing Channel" (奥尻観光チャンネル). Okushiri Island is an island located in the Japan Sea, at the southwestern part of Hokkaido. The island's area is 143 km², making it the 5th largest island in Hokkaido. The population is 2,707 (as of April 2018). Most of the island is a beechwood forest, and it is noted for its pristine nature. This video is about 3 minutes long and introduces marine activities that can be enjoyed in the crystal clear waters of Okushiri Island. Please enjoy the sea of Okushiri Island, the clearest waters in Hokkaido! Activities to Enjoy on Okushiri Island Photo：Paddle surfing The Okushiri Sea is said to be the clearest in Hokkaido. And due to its beauty, it is often called "Okushiri Blue." Scenes of people enjoying sea kayaking in Okushiri’s beautiful sea is introduced in the video at 0:18. Chartered mini cruising, or enjoying the popular SUP (Stand Up Paddleboat) on the sea surface during sunset introduced at 1:22, are 2 activities that we recommend trying. Trying the Okushiri Foot Path, a leisurely walk through the rich natural beauty of Okushiri Island, is sure to make for a memorable experience. People wildly jumping into the beautiful sea from the cliff of rocks is shown at 0:46. Famous Sightseeing Spots Nearby Okushiri Island Photo：Nabetsuru Rock “Nabetsuru Rock,” shaped like the handle of a pot, is a symbol of Okushiri’s sea. Check out the view of the sea from Tamashimayama Observatory, great for taking Instagram pics. Standing by at the historical Miyatsubentengu or Okushiri Island Tsunami Memorial Hall is also recommended. Okushiri Island hosts the Okushiri Moonlight Marathon in June and the Murotsu Festival in July to pray for safe sailing and good fishing. We recommend visiting the island when these events are taking place. Popular Local Cuisine in Okushiri, Hokkaido! Photo：Seafood ingredients When traveling to Hokkaido, you can't miss out on the fresh seafood they have to offer. In Okushiri Island, you can try "fisherman's rice" with fresh sea urchins and abalone, the sea urchin rice bowl, and half-boiled Atka mackerel "shabu-shabu." Local gourmet foods such as Okushiri wine and Nabetsuru curry are also popular. Okushiri wine is Japan's only wine produced as a recovery effort after the 1993 Hokkaido Southwest Earthquake that struck Okushiri Island. Okushiri Winery is the only winery in Japan located on a remote island. Everything from grape cultivation to shipping is done on Okushiri Island, and you can also visit the factory. Okushiri Island is home to the comical local character named "Unimaru," who is based on a sea urchin. “About 2km from the ferry landing is Unimaru Park, where you can see the Unimaru statue in the shape of a sea urchin. There is a circular monument with 120 spikes that are lit up at night. As souvenirs of your trip, you can purchase “Unimaru” goods as well as seafood. Summary of Sightseeing at Okushiri Island, Hokkaido Enjoying the beautiful views and the marine activities at the amazing Okushiri Island are sure to make for an unforgettable experience. As you can see in the video, the appeal of Okushiri Island is that you can fully enjoy nature in a way that is hard to find nowadays. Access to Okushiri Island is about 2 hours by ferry from Esashi, if you come by the Hokkaido Esashi route. At Okushiri Island there are hotels and Japanese style inns (ryokan), as well as camping areas. Take your time and enjoy the natural beauty of Okushiri Island. 【Official website】Hokkaido Okushiri Town Town Hall website http://www.town.okushiri.lg.jp/hotnews/category/8.html 【Official website】Okushiri Island Sightseeing Association https://okushiri-imacoco.com/

Introducing Shibuya 109! This video, titled "Shibuya 109 Walk - Tokyo - 渋谷 109," is a 4K introductory video showing the inside of Shibuya 109, a popular place among Japan's youth. Shibuya 109 is a shopping mall, also referred to as "Marukyu." There are many shops selling women’s clothing, shoes, beauty products and accessories, as well as costumes for cosplays. This video shows you around the inside of Shibuya 109. The amazing 4K quality will have you feeling like you're actually in the shop. Be sure to look at all of the fashionable shops shown in the video! Shibuya 109: History and Origins Photo：109 Shibuya 109 is a fashion building that opened in 1979, managed by Tokyu Malls Development. Besides the main store in Shibuya, there's also stores in Abeno Osaka, Kagoshima, and Hong Kong. The secondary name "Marukyu" comes from the last two numbers of 109; '0' pronounced "maru" and '9' pronounced "kyu" in Japanese. Deemed a "mecca for high school gals," many young girls visit Shibuya 109 everyday. It's not just for young people living in Tokyo, either. It's also a famous sightseeing spot for school field trips in Tokyo, as well as foreign tourists. The Shops of Shibuya 109 Source :YouTube screenshot At Shibuya 109, there are fashion items for both women and men, including shoes, fancy goods, cosmetic items, lingerie, swim wear, and places for taking "purikura " photos. There's plenty to do, so you'll never get bored. Besides fashion brand shops, there's also many cafes and restaurants as well. You can see the restaurants in the video from 9:43. Mogumogu stand, where you can enjoy trying food at various restaurants, is especially popular among young women. Many girls visit here to buy tapioca and strawberry candy that look great on Instagram. The beauty salon inside Shibuya 109 is very popular among women as well. At Shibuya 109, temporary pop-up stores, including collaborations with popular artists and Pokemon, appear from time to time as well, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for them. In front of the entrance to Shibuya 109, facing the scramble crossing, there is an event space called 109 Square. This places gets packed with young people during events. Summary of Shibuya 109 Photo：109 On the official Shibuya 109 website, you can check out the floor guide, and also find information on sales and events. There is also an official mail order service, so you can enjoy shopping online as well. If you're interested in Japan's "Kawaii" or "gal" cultures, be sure to stop by Shibuya 109! Don't forget to watch the video to experience window shopping at Shibuya 109 as well! ◆SHIBUYA109 General Facility Information◆ 【Address】29-1, Dogenzaka 2 chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 【Access】A 3 minute walk from JR Shibuya Station 【Hours】Shopping 10:00-21:00, Cafes and restaurants 11:00-23:00 【Closures】None 【Parking】None 【Phone number】 03-3477-5111 【Official website】SHIBUYA109 https://www.shibuya109.jp/

About the Demonstrational "Dragon Beard's Candy" Video This video features footage of a professional making traditional dragon beard's candy by hand at a food stall in the Shin-Okubo area of Shinjuku, Tokyo (東京都新宿の新大久保). The delicate sweets, which are known for being difficult to make, are a traditional sweet in Korea which are also known by the name Kkul-tarae (クルタレ) or Ronshutan (ロンシュータン). In this video, you can see the techniques used to make dragon's beard candy and learn more about the history and characteristics of this traditional sweet. We hope you enjoy the video! What Is Dragon's Beard Candy? Source :YouTube screenshot Dragon's beard candy is a traditional sweet which has been eaten in countries such as China, Korea and Taiwan for hundreds of years. Its popularity has spread to other foreign countries, such as the US, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada and Hong Kong. Dragon beard's candy originated in China over 2,000 years ago, when the delicate treat was originally prepared for the emperor; however, it eventually came to be eaten by ordinary citizens and has been loved to this day. The main ingredient used to make dragon beard's candy is maltose syrup, known as "mugi mizuame" in Japanese. Cornstarch is also an essential ingredient. It's made by stretching a hard piece of candy over and over again to create a candy with a light and crunchy texture. The mildly sweet Dragon's beard candy is often given as a gift (lucky charm) in Seoul, Korea. Watch the Amazing Skills of This Professional Dragon Beard's Candy Maker in Shin-Okubo! Source :YouTube screenshot Each piece of dragon's beard candy is carefully handmade by craftsmen. As can be seen in the video, the street vendor first prepares the maltose syrup candy. He creates a hole in the hard candy and proceeds to stretch the candy using this hole. You can take a look at the stretching process throughout the video. The vendor then stretches the candy over and over while continually covering it in cornstarch until the threads of the candy reach the thickness of what is thought to resemble a dragon's beard. Only highly skilled professionals can make the candy incredibly thin without it breaking or snapping. A single piece of candy is stretched into an amazing 16,384 strands. From 4:26 in the video, the street vendor explains that this is the perfect number of strands to create the most pleasant melt-in-your-mouth texture. At 2:20 in the video, he begins to fold the candy to create the 16,384 strands, which he completes in roughly 35-40 seconds. The highlight of the video has to be when the professional dragon's beard maker shows off the finished product to the customers, at which point it looks beautifully smooth like threads of silk. Many customers are amazed by the look of the finished product! You can take a look at this in the video at 4:18. If you get a chance to see it up close, be sure to take a video of your own and share it with your friends! Source :YouTube screenshot After stretching out the candy, crushed peanuts, almonds, sesame seeds, or coconut can be added as a filling. One piece of candy costs approximately a few hundred yen (a couple bucks (USD)). There are very few people who know how to make the candy as the skills required are so difficult to master. Summary of Dragon Beard Candy There are food stalls in Shin-Okubo and Yokohama's Chinatown (横浜中華街, yokohamachuukagai) where you can watch dragon beard's candy being made right before your eyes. You can also buy dragon beard's candy online, sometimes sold under the name "Dragon Candy." For those interested in tasting and experiencing the delicate texture of dragon beard's candy, we highly recommended purchasing some and trying them out for yourself! Watching how the amazing dragon beard candy is made is guaranteed to pique your curiosity! Be sure to check it out in the video!

Video Introduction of Iga Kumihimo, a Traditional Craft of Iga City, Mie Prefecture This video is “TEWAZA- Iga Kumihimo Braided Cord,” introducing Iga Kumihimo, produced by “Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square.” Iga Kumihimo is a traditional handicraft that has gained a lot of attention thanks to the popular animated movie “Your Name.” It has been popular since ancient times, used to make Kimono accessories, such as Obi straps. Kumihimo’s charm lays in its beautiful design, which has been hand-braided using elaborate techniques. Let’s peek into the beautiful world of Iga Kumihimo, where the craftman’s amazing attention to detail is packed into his crafts, and enjoy the traditional Japanese culture. The video shows a craftsman carefully making Iga Kumihimo by hand. It's rare footage that allows us an inside look at Iga Kumihimo The Charm of the Iga Area, Home of Iga Kumihimo Photo：Ise Shrine Iga City (伊賀市, Iga-Shi), a major producer of Iga Kumihimo, is a small town located in the mountains of Mie Prefecture. Mie Prefecture (三重県, Mie-Ken), in the Tokai region of Japan. It is said that the Iga Area was once home to many Ninjas, and is still attracting people’s attention as the “Ninja Village.” In the neighboring area Ise City, there is Ise Shrine, which has been worshiped since ancient times. There are many other attractive sightseeing spots in Mie prefecture as well, such as Nabana no Sato, and Meoto-Iwa. Take your time and enjoy the area. The History of the Traditional Handicraft, Iga Kumihimo Source :YouTube screenshot Braiding has a long history in Japan, dating back to the introduction of Buddhism during the Nara period (710-794 AD). The technique of Iga Kumihimo, which is said to have originally been used for Buddhist robes and sutras, has changed over time as it has been used for Japanese clothing accessories such as obi fasteners. At present, Iga Kumihimo is popular not only for making obi fasteners, but also in making accessories, necklace key chains, straps, charms, accessory cases, ties, bracelets, neck straps, and so on. You can see some of the finished products from 3:11 of the video. The Process of Braiding Iga Kumihimo Source :YouTube screenshot The main process of making Iga Kumihimo braids is to use silk or gold thread and to braid it up using a traditional tool called a “Kumidai.” You can see the threads dyed in various colors at 0:29 in the video. "Thread measuring" is the next step you can see from 0:36 in the video. This determines the length and number of threads. In this video, nine thin threads are bundled together to make a single thread used for Kumihimo braiding. Finally, it becomes a “Braid.” This process is introduced at 0:54 in the video. Each workshop braids by following the instructions called “Ayagaki,” which have been passed down from one generation to the next. The craftsman says that the “High loom,” used in the “braiding” in the video, can catch many more bobbins compared to other stands, and that lets them create complicated patterns. In order to knit beautiful IGA braids, the skill of a craftsman who has been making braids for many years is essential. You can learn about the history and culture of Iga Kumihimo, its techniques, and how to make it at the “Iga Tradition Hall –Iga Kumihimo Center Kumi-no- Sato” located in Iga City. You can also experience making various kinds of works such as key chains and bracelets with Iga Kumihimo. Summary of Iga Kumihimo Source :YouTube screenshot The craftsman explains at 2:42 in the video that, "Kumihimo can stretch because of the diagonal lattice weave. It adapts to the body," and that "a cord made properly with a high loom will stay snug, from morning until you come back home." Iga Kumihimo is a traditional handicraft that is popular among many people due to its high degree of perfection. Each hand-braided piece is truly a work of art. If you are interested in this traditional handicraft after reading this article, why not try it yourself? You can purchase by mail order, and they offer beginner kits so those who have never tried it before can experience the traditional Japanese culture of Iga Kumihimo! 【Official website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

The Traditional Japanese Atmosphere of Uchiko, Ehime This is a PR video for Uchiko, titled ‘UCHIKO GENIC Trailer,’ made by the Uchiko Tourism Association in Ehime prefecture on Shikou Island. The town of Uchiko, in Ehime Prefecture, is home to a strong tradition of Japanese performing arts and traditional events. population of about 300 people, is a beautiful place where traditional culture has been preserved through "village-preservation activities" by the residents. In Ishidatami district, the local people hold festivals in every season, such as the "Water Wheel Festival" and the "Soba Festival," and many tourists visit the festivals to experience traditional Japanese culture. This video introduces the traditions, culture, history and cuisine of Uchiko, Ehime with fantastic music. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! A Heavenly Time in Uchiko, Ehime Source :YouTube screenshot Ishidatami no Yado hotel in Uchiko, Ehime is an inn with a traditional Japanese style house, where you are served Japanese cuisine using local ingredients. You can relax in the onsen bath and enjoy delicious Japanese meals. This can be seen at 1:30 in the video. A popular cultural experience in Uchiko, Ehime is strolling through the town in Kimono. We recommend giving it a try to relax. In the video, you can see a woman strolling through the streets of Uchiko while wearing a kimono at 0:26. You can also get some great Instagram pictures of yourself in a kimono! When you're sightseeing in Uchiko, be sure to stop drop in on the local shops, such as Road Station Uchiko's Fresh Park Karari and Odanokyo Seseragi, where you can buy local sake, as well as Uchiko's famous traditional bamboo crafts and souvenir. Karari Bridge (からり橋 Kararibashi) at Uchiko Fresh Park Karari, is decorated with Koinobori streamers in spring. It's a truly beautiful scene. You can see the Koinobori streamers at 2:34 in the video. Many Koinobori streamers, big and small, elegantly swim through the air of Uchiko. Traditional Entertainment and Events in Uchiko! Photo：Uchiko-za Yokaichigokoku in Uchiko, has been given the status of "Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings." Once upon a time, this district was a busy merchant town with a focus on candle making. There's a theater for plays in this district, called Uchiko-za. This theater has been operating since the Taisho period, showing traditional Japanese bunraku plays. The theater can be seen at 0:47 in the video. The Kite Festival, shown at 2:38, has around 400 years of history and is an event in Uchiko that we highly recommend checking out. It's held on May 5th every year, so be sure to line up your visit if you can. At Takekobo Studio, shown at 0:31 in the video, you can see traditional bamboo crafts being hand crafted by artisans. These are perfect as souvenirs from Uchiko. Experience the Natural Landscape Uchiko! Photo：Taiko Bridge, Yuge Shrine Uchiko also attracts people with its beautiful natural landscape. We recommend walking around Odamiyama Valley (小田深山渓谷 Odamiyama Keikoku) in the deep forest and visiting the beautiful rice terrace at Izumidani. Uchiko has a lot to offer when it comes to scenic views. The rice terraces are can be seen throughout the video, and thanks to the drone footage, you get a great aerial view! We also recommend visiting Kosho Temple (高昌寺 Koshoji) and seeing the beautiful view from Yuge Shrine (弓削神社 Yuge Jinja). Don’t forget to try some tasty soba made with the pure water of Uchiko. You can see it at 2:24 in the video. Summary of Uchiko, Ehime Uchiko is a famous tourist spot in Ehime Prefecture where you can experience unique Japanese history. There are many more sightseeing spots in Uchiko that we couldn't get to in this article, so be sure to watch the video to see more of the charms that Uchiko has to offer! We hope we sparked your interest in Uchiko. Visit Uchiko, a town where you can discover Japanese culture and beautiful scenery! 【Official Website】Ehime prefecture Uchiko Town Hall Website https://www.town.uchiko.ehime.jp/ 【Official Website】Uchiko Town Official Tourism Site Uchiko Sanpo https://www.we-love-uchiko.jp/

Japan's Owl Cafes! This video is titled "The First Owl Café in Nara- 'Watawata'" (奈良で初めてのフクロウカフェ【わたわた】). It introduces the owl café in Nara, called "Watawata." There aren’t many chances where you can interact with owls, but at Japan's owl cafes you can enjoy seeing owls up close and even petting them! Many tourists from overseas come to Japan's cat cafes, but if you're looking for a more unique experience we definitely recommend checking out an owl cafe! How Owl Cafes Work Source :YouTube screenshot Owl cafes are places where there are cute owls, such as horned owls and more. Customers can play with owls while eating and drinking, and you can even feed the owls as well! As you can see from 0:49 in the video, there are cafes where you can put the owls on your shoulder and play with them too. You can also take photos with the owls and post them on social media sites. You can see this at 0:51 in the video. About Owls Photo：Owl Owls are nocturnal birds of prey, belonging to the order Strigiformes. They are called "the professors of the forest" and "philosophers of the forest." Their size ranges from 50 to 62 centimeters in length and they weigh anywhere from 500 to 1,300 grams. Five species of owls exist in Japan: the Yezo Ural Owl, Tohoku Owl, Ural Owl, Moniyamae, and Kyushu Owl. The hooting of owls can sometimes be heard as far as several kilometers away. Summary of Japan's Owl Cafes Source :YouTube screenshot If you're looking to rid yourself of stress and enjoy time with an animal you wouldn't normally get to be up close to, be sure to visit one of the many owl cafes in Japan! If you like cute animals, you can also try visiting a parrot or hedgehog cafe as well! 【Tripadvisor】Wata Wata Owl Cafe https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298198-d9856696-Reviews-Wata_Wata_Owl_Cafe-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html